The father or the community priest announces the child’s name. Traditionally, the name is first suggested to the Da‘i al-Mutlaq for approval. Names of Ahl al-Bayt (Prophet’s family) and of the 21 Du‘at are preferred. Girls may be named after Fatima al-Zahra or other pious women.
In the Dawoodi Bohra community, the arrival of a new baby is a momentous occasion marked by deep-rooted religious customs, cultural warmth, and communal blessings. Among these, the (naming ceremony) holds a special place. It is a traditional ceremony performed shortly after a child’s birth to introduce them to the community and officially name them in a way that blends faith with heritage.
Chatti Rasam (also spelled Chhathi) is a traditional Dawoodi Bohra cultural ceremony performed on the sixth night
Specifically Surah Al-Fatiha, Ayatul Kursi, and selected verses for protection. dawoodi bohra chatti rasam pdf
Celebrating the physical purification of the mother and child.
If you require the full, detailed ceremonial procedure including the specific Quranic verses designated for the 6th day (often found in the Jannati Chhe Mehman or Tohfatul Hawashi references), it is highly recommended to obtain the official PDF from the following sources, as they contain the exact Arabic Quranic text required for the ritual:
Cultural Synthesis: Fatimi Tradition Meets South Asian Culture The father or the community priest announces the
Decorating the cradle ( Parna ) with flowers and elegant fabrics.
Misbaah, Hafti, or printed sheets containing the specific Chatti Duas and Quranic verses.
The spiritual core of the event involves reciting specific Ismaili Fatemi Duas for protection and long life. The family recites Madeh (verses praising the Prophet and his progeny) and expresses allegiance ( Walaayat ) to the Imam and the Dai al-Mutlaq. The Feast: Traditional Bohra Thal Girls may be named after Fatima al-Zahra or
(charity) is performed to seek blessings for the child's life and health. Recitation of the Quran and specific (supplications) are recommended for the mother. Health and Diet : The mother is encouraged to consume
For authentic religious texts, precise Dua wording, or community-approved scripts for family events, it is best to look to official internal communication channels. Members can access verified resources through:
Before the ceremony begins, both the mother and the newborn are given a traditional ritual bath. They are dressed in fine, often white or pastel-colored, traditional Bohra attire. For the child, this is typically a beautifully stitched jabla and topee (cap). 2. Preparing the Chatti Thaal
| | Symbolic Meaning | |-------------|----------------------| | Sixth day | Completion of creation; the soul’s full attachment to body. | | Red cloth | Life force ( hayat ); protection from ‘ayn (evil eye). | | Honey/date | The sweetness of Iman (faith) and knowledge of the Imams. | | Sacrifice | Ransom of the child for the sake of Allah; feeding the poor as sadaqah . | | Communal meal | The newborn enters the Bohra jamaat (community) as a living member. |
Furthermore, it is a time when the family formally seeks the blessings ( duas ) of the Syedna (the community's spiritual leader). This ensures the child begins their earthly journey anchored in faith ( Iman ), devotion, and community values. Step-by-Step Rituals of Chatti Rasam